My name is Balbir Kaur. My paternal village is Daghaat near BhadsoN. It was my aunt who taught me this craft. I can do embroidery and knit sweaters. I have done all kinds of work – cotton picking, chilli picking, yarning the cotton. I know how to knit cotton shawls too. It is tough work; I learnt it but never did it.
Embroidery design requires mental work. You can not do it just by following oral instructions. I charge 600 Rupees per dari. It takes me up to a month to finish one dari, but if I sit regularly I can finish it in ten days. If I get an additional woman to help me, we finish is sooner. I also face hurdles on certain occasions.
I also work as a cook in a Government school for children. I made pooris for them a couple of days ago. They pay me 500 Rupees a month. But they pay it after a year or more. I work there three times a week. Another worker cooks for the rest of the weekdays. Earlier, I used to cook for the whole week but the government has reduced the days now.
People come to me for dari work. I don’t go to deliver or take it to someone. If more yarn is needed, I ask them to send it to me. I just sit and work; I do not have to go elsewhere. I do not have to stand idle in the streets.